Government and Politics

Course summary

The two-year A Level course consists of three units: • Government and Politics of the UK: our different elections and electoral systems; referendums; political parties and pressure groups; our constitution and judiciary; the role of parliament; how our prime ministerial and cabinet system operate; and finally, local and devolved government and the main institutions of the European Union. • Government and Politics of the US and comparative politics: in which students cover US presidential and congressional elections, the US Constitution and role of the Supreme Court; Congress; and the Presidency. We then compare and contrast the main features of British and American government and politics. • Political Ideas: in which students look at the main ideas of socialism, conservatism, liberalism and one other from a list that includes feminism and anarchism • Be aware of the main political stories on a daily and weekly basis. • Participate in a lot of debate and discussion. • Develop a good understanding of British and American politics and political ideologies.